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Top conservation groups urge Hillary Clinton to speak out against Keystone XL

Posted May. 21, 2014 / Posted by: EA Dyson

WASHINGTON— Conservation groups representing millions of Americans today sent a letter to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging her to speak out against the Keystone XL pipeline. The controversial project, the polluting equivalent of building 46 new coal-fired power plants, would deepen the climate crisis just as the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Obama administration’s National Climate Assessment say it’s crucial that greenhouse gas emissions be drastically reduced to avoid catastrophe.

“If we’re going to have a livable planet for future generations — one that’s not fraught with floods, droughts, deadly heat waves and other catastrophic effects — it’s vital that we reject the polluting fossil fuels of the past and move to cleaner, safer energy sources,” reads today’s letter to Clinton. “Secretary Clinton, will you stand with us against Keystone XL?”

Today’s letter was signed by leaders of 30 conservation groups from around the country, including the Center for Biological Diversity, 350.org., CREDO Mobile and Friends of the Earth.

Secretary Clinton has long been an environmental advocate but has yet to take a public position on Keystone XL. The controversial pipeline would transport tar sands oil from Canada to Texas, where it would be refined and much of it shipped overseas. If the pipeline is built, climate scientist Dr. James Hansen has said it will be “game over” for avoiding the worst effects of climate change.

“There’s no doubt that Keystone XL is a turning point for President Obama and whoever takes his place in 2016,” said Bill Snape, senior counsel with the Center for Biological Diversity. “Approve this pipeline and you double-down on the disastrous fossil fuels that are driving the climate toward collapse. Reject Keystone and you open the door to a world of new possibilities with energy sources that are safer, saner, and ensure a livable planet. Secretary Clinton’s voice is badly needed to help steer this decision in the right direction.”

“Rejecting this pipeline has become a test of President Obama's resolve when it comes to fighting climate change,” said May Boeve, executive director of350.org. “Coming out strong against Keystone XL gives Hillary a chance to show the climate movement that she stands with us, and not the fossil fuel industry.”

“As global warming accelerates, the United States needs leaders who will stop making the situation worse right now,” said Michael Kieschnick, CEO of CREDO Mobile. “If Hillary Clinton cannot see that the Keystone XL pipeline should be stopped, environmental voters will know that she cannot be counted on in the fight against global warming.”

“Keystone XL is a bright line test for commitment to climate change,” said Erich Pica, president of Friends of the Earth. “Hillary Clinton needs to show her dedication to fighting climate change by denouncing this dirty and dangerous pipeline.”